Have You Heard? Christmas Is Coming!

Normally, I’m a Grinch this time of year. The holidays stress me out.
Too much to do.
Too little time.
What to give?
Who to give to?
But not this year.
The tree is decorated.
The carols are playing.
The wreath hangs on the door.
The table is set.
Gifts are bought, wrapped, and waiting under the tree.

What’s come over me?
Jesus is coming back!
Have you heard?
Have you seen?
The signs of His return are all around. Read Matthew 24.
So, it’s time to celebrate!
For unto us a Child was born.
Unto us a Savior was given.
NOW, is the time to let our light shine bright because the Bridegroom is coming for His Bride!

On that very first Christmas, there were some country shepherds living in fields, keeping watch over their sheep by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord appeared before them and said, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” 
And suddenly, a huge heavenly choir joined the angel singing praises to God: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to all men and women on earth who please Him!” Luke 2:8-14 

I've realized this is not the time to be a Grinch! We need to celebrate Christmas like it may be our last one on earth. You make think, “What a morbid thought.” But, is it really? The reality of the world today is that we could be sitting in a subway, eating in a café, listening to a concert, in a college class, at a company Christmas party, and someone intent on violence comes and extinguishes our light forever. And there is no more time to shine bright for God. Will I regret missed opportunities to share Jesus because I was too concerned about the temporary when I should have been focused on the eternal?

As a Believer, I have good tidings of great joy. I have Good News of hope for a bright future and a peace about my eternal home. Can you imagine if the heavenly angelic choir had stayed silent on that first Christmas night?  That thought reminded me of my annual preschool Christmas show. Every year, there are children who refuse to sing. They stand on stage with pouts, tears, and stony faces while their disappointed parents sit in the audience. I got a visual of God, The Father, sitting in the audience of my life performance waiting for me to sing out praises and worship to His Son.  How disappointed He must be when I remain silent.

While the fear of violence and evil spreads throughout the world, Believers in Jesus should be singing and proclaiming:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you Good News of a Savior who was born and His name is Immanuel – God with us. He came to save us from the eternal consequences of our sin. He came to bridge the gap between a Holy God and a flawed people. He shed His blood on the cross to cover our sins with His Holiness and righteousness. For God so loved the world that He gave us His one and only Son, that who ever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life. All who call on the name of Jesus will be saved. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation. It is a gift freely offered by God. All we have to do is receive the gift of Jesus. For one day soon, Jesus will come back to set up His Kingdom and He will be KING of Kings and LORD of Lords and the government will rest upon His shoulders and He will be called Prince of Peace.”

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem inquiring about the King of the Jews. For they had seen a star in the East and they had come to worship Him. This news made King Herod and the people of the Jerusalem very troubled.  The wise men followed the star, until it stood still over the place where the young Child was. They rejoiced with exceedingly great joy, and fell down and worshiped Him. They opened up their treasures and presented Him with gifts.  Matthew 2:1-12

Did you know that on June 30, 2015, the Bethlehem Star was visible for the first time in over 2000 years?

“On June 30th, Jupiter and Venus merged into what is known as a super-star. The conjunction of these two planets has been building throughout the month of June and the result will be a dazzling bright spectacular on June 30th. Sky & Telescope suggest that a similar rare conjunction of Venus and Jupiter may have been what was known as the “Star of Bethlehem” in 3-2 BC and since then there has not been a brighter, closer planetary conjunction. That means that this is the first opportunity of seeing it so clear for 2,000 years!” Quote from article, "Star of Bethlehem" Visible For The First Time in 2000 Years.

And just like God placed the Bethlehem Star in the sky to point the way to Jesus over 2000 years ago, God placed the Bethlehem Star in the sky again this year to point the world back to Him. Do you think it is merely a coincidence that the Bible says that one of the signs of Jesus’ return will be wonders and signs in the sky? Four blood moons occurred between April 2014 and September 2015, and each blood moon occurred on a Jewish festival day (Passover/Tabernacles). Did I mention that the Bible says that one of the signs of the return of Jesus is a blood moon? (Acts 2:19-20, Joel 2:31) AND, the Bethlehem Star just reappeared after 2000 years during this same year!!! Can you hear God calling? Can you see His warning signs in the sky?

That is why Christmas is so important this year. It’s not about giving presents or receiving presents. It’s about celebrating The Gift that God has already given – JESUS – Immanuel – God with us.

This Christmas, will you receive The Gift before it’s too late. No one is guaranteed tomorrow so make that decision today.

Jesus said, "I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks." John 14:27 (NLT); Matthew 7:7-8 (CEV)

Merry Christmas!
Love,
Yolanda